Medical Laboratory Technician – ANZSCO 311213

Medical Laboratory Technician (ANZSCO 311213) is a skill level 2 occupation assessed by AIMS for Australian skilled migration. It is on the STSOL list and can be used for subclass 190, subclass 491, subclass 494, subclass 407. 7 of 8 states and territories currently nominate it.

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Quick facts

ANZSCO code: 311213
Skill level: 2 – Associate degree, advanced diploma or diploma, or at least 3 years of relevant experience.
Assessing authority: AIMS
Occupation lists: STSOL
English test for skills assessment: Check with the authority
ANZSCO unit group: 3112 Medical Technicians

Medical Laboratory Technician job description and duties

Performs routine medical laboratory tests and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists. Registration or licensing may be required.

Also known as: Medical Laboratory Technical Officer

Tasks include

Operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
Undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
Recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted
Taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
Preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
Performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
Testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
Setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
Referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications
Operating and maintaining equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders

Education and skill level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) In New Zealand: NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. The occupations Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist and Operating Theatre Technician have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. In Australia: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) In New Zealand: NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

Visa options for Medical Laboratory Technician

Eligible means the occupation is on a list the visa accepts. You still need to meet every other requirement.

Subclass 189 Skilled Independent: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL)
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 491F Skilled Work Regional – Family sponsored: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate – Post-Vocational Education Work: Not eligible (via MLTSSL)
Subclass 482 Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream: Not eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Direct Entry: Not eligible (via CSOL)
Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)
Subclass 407 Training visa: Eligible (via MLTSSL / STSOL / ROL)

State and territory nomination for Medical Laboratory Technician

7 of 8 states and territories currently list this occupation: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Onshore means already living in that state; offshore means living outside Australia.

New South Wales: 190 Yes, 491 Closed 26–27, onshore NSW residents, offshore Yes. NSW Skills List — unit group 3112.
Victoria: 190 Yes, 491 Not yet open, onshore VIC residents, offshore Yes. All 190-eligible occupations (no state list).
Queensland: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore QLD residents, offshore No. Onshore list: 190 & 491.
South Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore SA residents, offshore Yes. SA Graduates: 190 & 491; Skilled Employment in SA: 190 & 491; Outer Regional Skilled Employment: 190 & 491; Offshore: 190 & 491.
Western Australia: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore WA & interstate, offshore Yes. General – WASMOL Schedule 1: 190 & 491; Graduate stream (WA study): 190 & 491; Priority WA industry sector.
Tasmania: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore TAS residents, offshore 190 with job offer. Living in Tasmania: Skilled Employment, Graduate or Established Resident pathways; Overseas: 190 only with a Tasmanian health or education job offer; Overseas 491 (OSOP) closed for 2026–27.
Australian Capital Territory: 190 Yes, 491 Yes, onshore Canberra residents, offshore Yes. ACT Nominated Migration Program Occupation List.
Northern Territory: 190 Closed, 491 By exception, onshore NT grads/residents only, offshore No. 491 onshore only, by exception for NT Graduate or Resident applicants with urgent visa or age deadlines.

Based on each state's official 2026–27 lists and program pages. Being listed does not guarantee an invitation.

Skills assessment for Medical Laboratory Technician

This authority assesses whether your qualifications (and, for some occupations, registration or work experience) meet the Australian standard for this occupation. Requirements are set by the authority and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

The process

Confirm the authority: Check that this body assesses your occupation for your visa.
Check criteria: Read the qualification, registration, experience and English requirements.
Prepare documents: Qualifications, transcripts, ID and any registration or employment evidence.
Apply and pay: Lodge with the authority, usually online.
Outcome: Use your outcome letter for your EOI and visa.

What you need for this occupation

AIMS sets the criteria for this occupation. Requirements usually cover qualification level and field, any registration or licence, and in some cases work experience and English.

Documents checklist

Passport
Qualification certificates and full transcripts
Registration or licence evidence (if applicable)
Employment references (if applicable)
English test results (if required)

English language requirement

For the AIMS skills assessment

AIMS sets its own English rule for this occupation. Many professional and registration bodies ask for IELTS Academic 7 or equivalent, so check before you book a test.

For the visa (189, 190 and 491)

Separately, the visa needs at least Competent English. Minimum scores for tests taken on or after 7 August 2025:

IELTS (Academic or General): Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0
PTE Academic: Listening 47, Reading 48, Writing 51, Speaking 54
TOEFL iBT: Listening 16, Reading 16, Writing 19, Speaking 19
OET: Listening 290, Reading 310, Writing 290, Speaking 330

Proficient English adds 10 points and Superior English adds 20 points in the points test.

Related occupations in unit group 3112

Frequently asked questions

What is the ANZSCO code for Medical Laboratory Technician?

The ANZSCO code for Medical Laboratory Technician is 311213. It is a skill level 2 occupation.

Who assesses Medical Laboratory Technician for Australian migration?

Medical Laboratory Technician is assessed by AIMS. You need a positive skills assessment before you can apply for most skilled visas.

Which Australian visas can a Medical Laboratory Technician apply for?

Medical Laboratory Technician is on the STSOL list, so it can be used for: 190 Skilled Nominated; 491 Skilled Work Regional – State/Territory nominated; 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional – Employer sponsored; 407 Training visa. You must still meet every other visa requirement.

Which states nominate Medical Laboratory Technician?

7 of 8 states and territories currently list Medical Laboratory Technician: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory. Each state has extra criteria such as residence, employment and points.

Do I need an English test for the Medical Laboratory Technician skills assessment?

AIMS sets its own English rule; check its website. The visa itself needs at least Competent English (for example IELTS 6 in each band).

Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics ANZSCO 2022 (CC BY 4.0), Department of Home Affairs skilled occupation lists, AIMS and state and territory nomination pages. Checked November 2026. General information only, not migration advice. Search all ANZSCO occupations.